Self-storable portable padding device

ABSTRACT

A self-storable portable padding device is provided. The padding device comprises a member capable of providing padding, and securing means provided at an end portion. The securing means are structured to secure the member to a seating arrangement. The member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up into a compact state, and the securing means are able to retain the member in the compact state. Preferably the securing means are cuffs that span the width of the member, thereby providing pockets. The pocket(s) envelop the top of a chair back and/or the front of a chair seat in order to secure the padding device to the seating arrangement.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an article that provides comfort to a user. In particular, the present invention relates to a collapsible, self-storable, portable padding device, which can be used to increase seating comfort.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When attending various functions and events, and while travelling, people are often required to sit in uncomfortable seating conditions. For example, the seating options at such functions as sporting events, the theatre and concerts typically consist of benches or hard plastic chairs, often of the folding variety. Similarly, when attending a child's play or recital in e.g. a school auditorium, the only seating option often available is often a hard molded plastic chair. These seating options often have little to no inherent padding, which provides minimal comfort to the user. The discomfort realized with such seating conditions is typically exacerbated over time.

Travelling excursions, such as those in planes, trains and motor vehicles, also present seating conditions that become uncomfortable over time. Although the seats in these types of vehicles are typically padded to some degree, the padding may become worn with use. Additionally, extended periods spent seated in these vehicles during long excursions tends to compress the inherent padding in the seat, thereby minimizing the provided comfort.

Easily addressing the discomfort found with such seating conditions is often difficult, or at the very least, poses some challenges. A blanket, towel or the like, preferably when folded, would provide additional padding if placed on the seat of a chair. Alternatively, a pillow or a cushion would also provide additional padding when used in a likewise manner. However, these options are often cumbersome, which hinders their portability and limits their use in such a role. Also, standard blankets, pillows and the like are not able to be secured to a seating arrangement, allowing for the potential of the additional padding and/or the user to slide off the seat.

There have been attempts in the prior art to devise a padding device that is compact and portable, and that can be used to mitigate some of the discomfort associated with the described seating conditions. Some examples are identified below.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,591,033 discloses a compact self-storing seating comfort article, which comprises a blanket and an attached seat pad that may be easily folded or rolled into an attached reversible pouch for transportation or storage without the need for or use of zippers, snaps or straps.

U.S. Design Patent No. 376,689 discloses a combination chaise cushion and carry bag, which comprises a segmented cushion attached to a carry bag. The segmented cushion is structured such that it can be folded up and stored in the carry bag.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,454,125 discloses a self-contained multipurpose comfort device, which comprises a rectangular body portion having two pocket members disposed one on each surface thereof. At least one pocket member serves to store the folded comfort device, and may optionally also receive a pad.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,877,288 discloses a lounge chair cover, comprising an elongated panel of fabric having end flaps secured to the panel to define inwardly directed pockets. The pockets are dimensioned to be inserted over the ends of a standard lounge chair in order to secure the cover over the chair.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,654 discloses a back and lumbar support, which comprises a strip of flexible material. The strip has a pocket for mounting an upper end of the strip on an upper part of a chair back, which holds the strip to the back and seat portion of the chair. The strip preferably has a foam backing.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,605 discloses a combined tote bag and seat cushion, which comprises a pair of cushions joined to each other by a fabric hinge. A fabric panel is affixed to one of the cushions and forms a pocket, which is used to secure the cushion onto the seatback of a chair.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,616,225 discloses a towel adapted to remain on a chair. The towel comprises a pouch at an upper end thereof, which is used to secure the towel to a chair by enveloping the upper portion of the chair seatback. Additionally, for storage purposes when not in use, the towel is repeatedly folded lengthwise about lateral creases, and finally is tucked into the pouch.

United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0198895 discloses a portable beach chair cover. The beach chair cover comprises a rectangular shaped fabric having a slip-over pouch at the upper end thereof. The slip-over pouch slides over the upper portion of a beach or lounge chair. The lower end of the cover can have ties or other affixing means to secure the cover to the lower end portion of a chair. The beach chair cover can be folded up into the slip-over pouch for portable storage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one embodiment, there is provided a self-storable portable padding device, comprising a member capable of providing padding; securing means provided at an end portion, structured to secure the member to a seating arrangement; wherein the member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up into a compact state, and the securing means are able to retain the member in the compact state.

In a preferred embodiment, the securing means are cuffs that span the width of the member, thereby providing pockets. The securing means or pocket(s) envelop the top of a chair back and/or the front of a chair seat in order to secure the padding device to the seating arrangement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The self-storable portable padding device will be described in more detail having regard to the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the self-storable portable padding device;

FIG. 2 is a top view of the front side of an embodiment of the self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of an embodiment of the self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an embodiment of the self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the self-storable portable padding device shown in FIG. 1, rolled up into a compact portable position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A better understanding of the present invention and its objects and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein there are described preferred embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

The collapsible, self-storable, portable padding device 1 is generally an elongated cushion, which is ideally used whenever seating comfort needs to be increased. The padding device is designed and dimensioned to be inherently collapsible, such that it can be rolled up to a compact size, and preferably secured in a self-contained manner, such as by insertion into a pocket. The padding device 1 can be used in a variety of ways, such as by affixing it to the back and/or seat of a chair. Additionally, it can be laid flat on a bench or the ground.

An embodiment of the padding device 1 can be seen in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the padding device 1 is substantially rectangular in shape purposed to correspond with a standard folding chair, and comprises a cover filled with padding material, such as foam, memory foam, down, polymers such as polymer gels or the like. Preferably the padding material is pliable and/or resilient, which allows the padding device 1 to be collapsed by rolling and/or folding.

The shape and dimensions of the padding device 1 are not limiting, and can be modified as necessary to fit the dimensions of standard or desired seating arrangements. A non-limiting list of contemplated seating arrangements includes folding chairs, molded chairs, stacking chairs, car seats, airplane seats, etc.

In one embodiment, the cover of the padding device 1 (and the padding itself) is unitary in nature (not shown), such as a single piece of foam. However, in another embodiment, the padding device 1 is partially or fully articulated, such as by the introduction of seams 4 into the padding device cover 1. Partitioning of the padding device 1 facilitates folding and/or rolling, such as when the padding device 1 is collapsed for storage, as well as when the padding device 1 is manipulated to conform to a seating arrangement. The number of partitions should not be considered limiting, however, it is preferable that the padding device 1 is partitioned into at least two distinct sections to aid in the collapsing and folding thereof. For example, FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate a padding device 1 that has been partitioned into four distinct sections, including two end portions 2 and a middle portion 3 (which comprises multiple sections).

Often the back and seat portions of seating arrangements are not equivalent in size, which preferably is reflected in the dimensions and shape of the padding device 1. In other words, the padding device 1, by virtue of its partitioning, will not always be symmetrical, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 and 2. Rather, in this illustrated embodiment, which has been designed for a seating arrangement that has a longer back than seat, the padding device 1 has been partitioned, by way of seams, into four distinct segments. One end portion 2 and a section of the middle portion 3 form the smaller seat portion 7, whereas the opposing end portion 2 and the remaining part of the middle portion 3 form the longer back portion 8. With such partitioning, the padding device 1 is able to easily flex and snugly conform to the intended seating arrangement.

The modes of partitioning the padding device 1 are not particularly limiting. For example, as illustrated in the Figures, the padding device 1 may comprise seams, stitched or otherwise, that completely or partially occlude each section. Alternatively, the sections of the padding device 1 may be delineated by depressions or indentations in the padding cover, thereby leaving the internal portion of the padding device 1, i.e. each of the sections, in internal communication with each other. This latter embodiment may be preferable from a manufacturing perspective or in such embodiments where, for example, the padding device 1 is inflated with a fluid, such as air.

In a preferred embodiment, the padding device comprises attachment/securing means 5 on at least one of the end portions 2. For some seating arrangements it would be difficult to secure the padding device 1 to either the back or seat thereof, so it is contemplated that some embodiments will have attachment/securing means on only one end portion 2. The attachment/securing means 5 can take a variety of forms, such as for example a single strap that spans the width of an end portion 2; a plurality of smaller straps that together span the width of an end portion 2, and attach together by way of a button, a snap, hook and loop fastening means or the like; and a cuff, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, which spans the width of the end portion 2 and extends up to the end of the padding device 1 to form a pocket 6. A cuff 5 preferably attaches to the padding device 1 along its perimeter, and spans the top and some or all of the side of the end portion 2, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The padding device 1 and the free end of the cuff 5 define the opening to the pocket 6.

The attachment/securing means 5 are capable of providing at least two distinct functions. When the padding device 1 is to be used on a seating arrangement such as, for example, a folding chair, the attachment/securing means 5 affixes the padding device 1 to the chair. An example will be discussed with reference to the embodiment of the padding device 1 illustrated in the Figures, where the attachment/securing means takes the form of cuffs 5 on each end portion 2. In this embodiment, the cuff 5 from the back portion 8 of the padding device 1 is slid over the upper portion of the back of a folding chair, until the upper portion of the back of the folding chair is fully enveloped by the pocket 6. The cuff 5 from the opposing seat portion 7 is likewise slid over the front portion of the seat of the folding chair. The padding device 1 flexes and bends at the middle seam to fit the form of the chair. This provides for a snug attachment of the padding device 1 to, in this case, a folding chair.

Furthermore, when the padding device 1 is no longer required or is to be transported, it is collapsed, folded and/or rolled up. It can be secured in this state by use of the attachment/securing means 5. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the collapsed padding device 1 can be tucked into one of the pockets 6 created by the cuff 5, thereby retaining the padding device 1 in its compact state for storage or transport. A similar type of retention can be attained when the attachment/securing means 5 are straps.

According to another embodiment, the sections of the padding device 1 are manufactured individually, and are attached together in a linear fashion by way of hinges. Preferably the hinges are made of a pliable material, such as fabric.

According to another embodiment, the cover of the padding device 1 is made from a substantially air tight material, and the padding device itself is inflatable, such as with a fluid, e.g. air or water. This embodiment would be more amenable to such environments as pools or beaches, where the padding device 1 could be used on, e.g. beach chairs, lounge chairs or sand. Similarly, in a further embodiment, the padding device 1 is made of a water resistant and/or waterproof material. When used outside at, e.g. sporting events or the beach, the padding device 1 will be potentially exposed to water, and often the elements in general. Using water resistant and/or waterproof material will extend the life of the padding device and make it easier to clean and maintain.

In a further embodiment, the padding device 1 comprises at least one handle (not shown), which can be used to carry and transport the padding device, e.g. when it is in its compact and stored state (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the handles are made of the same or similar material as the remainder of the padding device 1, such as fabric or a water resistant material. Optionally, the at least one handle is located at the outer end of an end portion 2. In this location, at least one handle will be accessible when the padding device is in its compact and stored state (see FIG. 5).

In one embodiment, the padding device 1 is outfitted with at least one gripping member (not shown) that aids in preventing or minimizing slipping of the padding device 1 when mounted to a seating arrangement. Preferably, the at least one gripping member is located on the underside of the padding device 1, i.e. the side of the padding device that will contact the seating arrangement. In one embodiment, the gripping member is located on only a portion of the padding device 1, e.g. half of the padding device 1. For example, covering only a portion of the padding device 1, such as covering the seat portion 7 or the back portion 8, would provide gripping ability to the portion of the padding device 1 that communicates with either the seat or the back of the seating arrangement, respectively. In another embodiment, the gripping member spans substantially the length of the padding device 1, such that when the padding device 1 is mounted to a seating arrangement, a gripping member-seating arrangement interface is provided at both the seat portion 7 and the back portion 8.

The gripping member preferably has gripping capabilities and ideally minimizes slipping between the padding device I and any surface on which it is placed. Such materials would be well known to one of skill in the art, and, for example, may comprise rubber or other polymers. Furthermore, the gripping member may take the form of at least one strip, sheet, dimple, circle, or any other shape, placed on the padding device 1. The gripping member may also comprise non-slip paint, which would allow for an endless array of designs, patterns, text and the like on the padding device 1.

According to one embodiment, the free end of one or both cuffs 5 are elasticized. Elasticizing the free end of one or both cuffs 5 will provide for a snug fit when the pockets 6 are secured over at least one of the top of a chair back or the front of a chair seat. In addition, when the padding device 1 is collapsed and stored inside one of the pockets 6, having an elasticized cuff 5 will help to capably retain it therein. 

The embodiments of the present invention in which an exclusive property of privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. A self-storable portable padding device comprising: a pliable padding member having first and second sides, a top end and a bottom end that define a front face and a back face; securing means on at least one end portion of the padding member, structured to secure at least a portion of the padding member to a seat; wherein the padding member is structured and dimensioned to fold or roll up into a compact state, and the securing means are structured to retain the padding member in the compact state.
 2. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a strap that extends from the first side to the second side across the width of the top end and/or the bottom end.
 3. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises straps extending from each side of at least one end portion of the padding device, the straps when fasten together and span the width of the top end and/or the bottom end.
 4. The padding device according to claim 3, wherein the free end of each of the straps comprise fastener means to allow the straps to fasten together.
 5. The padding device according to claim 4, wherein the fastener means are selected from the group consisting of a button, a snap, a buckle and a hook and loop fastener.
 6. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises a flap attached to the top end and/or the bottom end of the padding member to produce a pocket on the back face of the padding member, the pocket defining a space dimensioned to secure the padding device to a seat and/or to receive the padding device and retain it in the compact state.
 7. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the flap attaches to the edges of the first and second sides, and the top end and/or the bottom end to produce the pocket.
 8. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the flap attaches to the back face of the top end and/or the bottom end to produce the pocket.
 9. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the pocket is on the back face of the padding member.
 10. The padding device according to claim 6, wherein the free edge of the pocket is elasticized.
 11. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding member is partitioned into at least two sections.
 12. The padding device according to claim 11, wherein the at least two sections are different sizes.
 13. The padding device according to claim 1, further comprising a gripping member on at least a portion of the back face of the padding member.
 14. The padding device according to claim 13, where the gripping member is on at least a portion of a top end or the bottom end of the padding member.
 15. The padding device according to claim 13, wherein the gripping member is comprised of rubber or non-slip paint.
 16. The padding device according to claim 13, wherein the gripping member is in the shape of a strip, sheet, dimple, circle, square or a combination thereof.
 17. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding member comprises a cover filled with padding material.
 18. The padding device according to claim 17, wherein the padding material is foam, memory foam, down, polymers, polymer gels or a combination thereof.
 19. The padding device according to claim 1, wherein the padding member comprises a cover made of an airtight material, and is water resistant and/or waterproof.
 20. The padding device according to claim 19, wherein the cover is inflated with a fluid.
 21. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a handle on the top end and/or the bottom end. 